Hydrogeologist Officer

About Us

The Environment Agency has a broad and varied remit to protect and enhance the environment, with a goal to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for people and wildlife. Water is at the heart of all we do, drinking, washing, recreation, industry and health, our environment and economy depend on this precious resource. Clean and available water is essential and as water becomes an increasingly scarce resource, we need to do more to ensure we protect it.

Did you know East Anglia is the driest part of the country and over half of our drinking water comes from groundwater. The area has significant population growth and intensive agricultural activities, so groundwater quantity and quality is under pressure.

Our Groundwater and Contaminated Land Team (GWCL), which sits within the Water, Land and Biodiversity Department in Local Operations is split into 2 teams, covering the East (Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex) and West (Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk) of the region.

This team includes specialists in groundwater resources, groundwater quality, land contamination and surface water protection. They provide technical and scientific expertise to various internal teams, and to a wide range of external stakeholders.

What’s in it for you:

You’ll benefit from a culture that embraces difference and is inclusive where you’ll feel supported and trusted to do the right thing. We’ll invest in you and allow you to grow and shape your career. What’s more, you’ll have access to our great benefits package including:

• A salary up to £34,320 per annum.
• A generous pension scheme of 19%.
• Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay.
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays for full-time employees
• Two additional days for paid environmental outcomes giving you the opportunity to take part in community activities.
• Great career opportunities.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave scheme.

Options for flexible and/or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What will you do:

The workstreams may include:

• Determining groundwater abstraction licensing proposals.
• Providing hydrogeological expertise to work packages on catchment-based water management plans.
• Providing a hydrogeological service to various internal teams.
• Responding to external customer enquiries for hydrogeological data and information.

The role will be based in either our Ipswich or Norwich office. In addition, you will work with colleagues in other Areas of the Environment Agency. Office attendance, occasional external meetings, training and site visits will be required on a business need basis.

This is your chance to make a real difference in a region where groundwater is essential to both people and the environment. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals, contribute to nationally significant work, and help shape the future of water resource management in East Anglia.

What you’ll need:

Essential

• You’ll be qualified to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a Geoscience related discipline and have proven knowledge/experience of:
  • Hydrogeology.
  • Groundwater chemistry.
  • Geotechnical engineering.
• Full UK driving license (Eligibility for lease cars is based on the role. Internal candidates ensure you check the lease car policy and consider its impact before applying).

Desirable (if required)

• Ability to analyse technical information.
• Good organisational skills/discipline and the ability to plan, track, deliver and evaluate work, meeting relevant standards and timescales.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others and influence workstreams to ensure water quality outcomes are secured.
• Ability to effectively work in a dispersed team.
• Knowledge of water quality planning, and an understanding of the water industry and the price review process.
• We are seeking a positive and motivated self-starter, with a willingness to learn and the ability to work alongside others. Your support will be key to delivering a wealth of positive environment outcomes across each area.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. Full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role. This may attract an additional payment.

Additional information

To learn more about these roles from those already in them, gain insight into the recruitment process, and have the chance to ask your questions, join us for our candidate call on:

Wednesday 8th October 2025 at 15.10pm - 16.10pm

This will be held on Microsoft Teams and is open to all applicants. You do not need to have submitted an application to join the call, just click the apply button for further information.

This role must be undertaken from within the UK and does NOT qualify for sponsorship. Visit the Government website and search for visas and immigration to seek professional advice regarding options for obtaining the right to work in the UK.

As an organisation, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, to achieve this we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance on our careers site for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note: Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don’t miss our message. A reserve list will be held, and you may be offered other roles in other locations including temporary roles, which may be similarly aligned to this role.

Closing date for applications: 20th October 2025
Interview Dates: Week commencing 10th November and week commencing 17th November 2025